Method and apparatus for controlling by-pass liquid flow in dish-washing machines

Abstract

Method and apparatus for washing dishes allowing independent control of washing liquid flow to upper and lower baskets. A valve allows selective reduction of liquid flow to an upper washing arm and/or by-passing liquid so that it does not flow through the washing arm nozzles.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of washing dishes in a dish-washing machine having a plurality of baskets for containing dishes, at least one washing liquid spray device associated with each basket and having spray nozzles, and providing at least one selectable operative cycle, and a single means for circulating washing liquid to said spray devices, comprising setting a reduced flow rate to each spray device independently of the flow rate of other spray devices and the operative cycles selected, by the step of by-passing a portion of circulated liquid from flowing through any of the spray nozzles and returning said portion for recirculation by the single means. 
     
     
       2. In a dish-washing machine having a plurality of baskets, at least one washing liquid spray device associated with each basket and having spray nozzles, and a single means for circulating washing liquid to said spray devices, the improvement comprising a manually settable valve for controlling flow of liquid to each spray device independently of flow to other spray devices, said valve comprising means responsive to selection of at least one valve setting for by-passing a portion of the circulated liquid from flowing through any of the spray nozzles, said portion being returned directly for re-circulation by said single means. 
     
     
       3. A machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein said valve includes means for manually setting prior to commencement of a washing cycle and for maintaining that setting throughout the cycle.